Cheryl Schatz

Craig,
It would be quite considerate if Mark would give his definitions of the differences between authority and leadership. If any other comp is willing to give a try, I think that would be helpful.

Another way to look at the issue of authority and leadership is that women are told that they cannot have authority over men. Is there things on the leadership list that would be forbidden? Would it be unbiblical for a woman to use her gifts for:
guiding, directing, pointing, protecting, assisting, giving encouragement and example to follow what is taught?

I would think that most soft comps would not be offended by a woman doing these things, but they would be offended if a woman practiced the things listed in the authority list. But perhaps we should be saying that it is offensive for any Christian to practice what is on the authority list other than perhaps rewarding what is right (which could be considered encouragement). The church has been far too focused on who is in authority, thus taking on a view of the church as a corporation rather than a body. We have allowed the world to influence us in this way and we have ignored Jesus’ warning about striving to be in the position of prominence.